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    • Homes

    Placid Penthouse by Studio Yamini is peppered with a minimal setting and a pristine charm

    MAY 19, 2021 | By Saloni Rege
    The living room uses Gulmohar Lane sofas and armchairs, Iqrup+Ritz coffee table and centre table and a Nabhi Baksh wall artwork; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    This view of the living area features a Gulmohar Lane Sofa, a customised blue console and dining ensemble by Studio Yamini and a Varsha Patra wall sketch work; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    The dining set houses a teak wood table with Baroda green marble top and dining chairs, all of which are customised in-house; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    View of the terrace which showcases Lavish Line furniture and Ambaji white and black kadappa customised flooring in chevron pattern; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    The upper level overlooks the terrace beneath that displays Lavish Line furniture, bespoke flooring and exposed bricks; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    Another view of the unwinding terrace area featuring an exposed brick backdrop and Lavish Line outdoor furniture; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
    The master bedroom uses a customised bed back, upholstered in beige fabric and a Venice upholstered bench from Gulmohar Lane. A teak and veneer finished wardrobe is concealed behind a panelled look; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    Minimalist, timeless and modern—best describe this Placid Penthouse, a stunning expanse weaved together by the creative duo Mehul Shah and Mitul Shah of Studio Yamini. We love how the abode renders a tranquil vibe and a serene charm, suggestive of its moniker.

    Nestled in a prime area of Vadodara, this 2,300 sq ft residence is engulfed in a paradise of green belt. To make the most of this view and abundant daylight, the architects have oriented the house in an east-west direction.

    “The client wanted a comforting and simplistic home to live in that’s defined with clean lines and minimalism, but at the same time is far away from being banal,” share the founders of Studio Yamini.

    The living room uses Gulmohar Lane sofa and armchairs, coffee table and centre table from Iqrup+Ritz and Ambaji white flooring; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    Dissecting the blueprint of the penthouse, the lower floor comprises a living area, kitchen, dining, guest room and an interesting terrace that serves as the perfect unwinding zone. While on the upper level, a master bedroom, daughter’s room, family lounge and a cosy library cohesively settle in.

    Partial view of the living area displays Gulmohar Lane sofa and armchairs, Iqrup+Ritz coffee table, wall artwork by Nabhi Baksh and D’Decor curtains; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    Striking a perfect balance, the living room houses a formal space and an extended informal zone, in addition to the terrace that is accessed from the drawing area. Enveloped by a muted palette, the area is highlighted with a splash of vibrant accents and greens. A light cream sofa is paired with arm chairs that flaunt the aztec print, all of which rest on the pristine Ambaji marble.

    A Baro wall artwork and a wall sketch by Varsha Patra are respectively placed near the wooden trunk and azure console, customised by Studio Yamini; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    The most prominent attributes across this residence are the teak wood consoles embellished with decor pieces and wall artworks, crafted by the local artisans. The living room and its integrated surrounding areas use flexible and loose furniture that can be rearranged as per the homeowners.

    A bespoke furniture set, customised in-house, dots the dining area; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    A dining ensemble features a teak wood table, finished in Baroda green marble top, which is paired with dining chairs that are dressed in ochre shade, upholstered seat and a wicker back. Wrapped in light ivory tones with teak wood cabinetry, the kitchen is enclosed by a sliding partition in wood and fluted glass.

    Seen here is a timber side table and bed frame, covered in off-white bedding and fabric headboard; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    The guest bedroom renders a subtle essence of calmness with its off-white bedding and fabric headboard, complemented by the rustic timber side tables and back panelling. The wardrobes are finished in teak wood and veneer and a play of light and shade is observed on the continual Ambaji white flooring.

    The lotus screen by STUDIO smitamoksh creatively conceals a puja corner, near the timber staircase; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    “We believe that our country has a lot of craft which can be interpreted to suit today’s modern lifestyle. We try to revive these age-old craft techniques and in this house, the lotus screen is one such element. It is a free standing partition with Pichwai style motifs that are hand embroidered, individual wooden blocks. The screen adds an interesting character to the space,” share the architects.

    The daughter’s bedroom showcases a timber floating bed, sleek side tables, fabric panelled headboard and textures artwork; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    Traversing the upper level, the main bedroom uses—light colour tones, off-white painted walls, teak and veneer furniture, fabric headboard, spotless Ambaji white flooring and indoor plantations. The balcony further spills a shade of daylight into the room. On the other hand, the daughter’s room houses a subdued palette, customised furniture and bespoke timber wardrobes, in filled chatai panels and finished with mono-coat polish.

    The delightful escape of the library lounge uses customised furniture by Studio Yamini and Marvel wooden blinds; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

    Realised as a casual space, the family room exudes a warm material palette, thanks to its teak wood flooring and light olive green sofas! Further enriching the penthouse with its spatial layers and textures, is the library lounge. It consists of a cantilevered desk that offsets a white brick patterned wall, soft furnishings and an armchair and ottoman, designed by the firm themselves.

    “It was challenging yet fun to bring out an inter-connection of spaces and still retain their identity. The entire penthouse is designed with an environment that the client longs to come back to, every single day. A house which will reflect their personality and grow with them,” conclude the Shahs.